Fuel Smarts

Navistar Offers Portfolio of Fully Automated Transmissions Options

Navistar, Cummins, Eaton, Allison

Navistar Inc. announced it is the first to market with a portfolio of fully automatic and automated manual transmissions for a range of applications, according to the company. The options will be available on International ProStar and International TranStar vehicles.

“Our portfolio of fully automated transmissions reduces the variance between expert drivers and first-timers by electronically monitoring vehicle speed, grade, weight and more to select the best gear for the engine. This not only improves efficiency, but it will extend the life of the driveline,” said Bill Kozek, president of North America Truck and Parts, Navistar.

Available on the International ProStar, the Cummins Eaton Smart Advantage is a 10-speed automated manual transmission paired with the Cummins ISX15 engine. Providing significant benefits across the board for linehaul and regional haul fleets, the engine and transmission share critical data, determining the torque curve and power level needed to match real-time load demand. This optimizes performance and fuel economy as a total unit.

Cummins and Eaton estimate that drivers can achieve between 3% to 6% improved fuel economy.

Designed with a small 17% step between gears, the transmission optimizes a diesel engine’s most efficient RPM zone to reduce fuel consumption. The UltraShift Plus LSE has16 forward gears and two reverse gears, and an overall ratio of 14.40. The standard warranty is five-year/750,000 miles for the transmission and three-year/350,000 miles for the clutch. This option is now available for order on the International ProStar.

Allison TC10

The first fully automatic transmission for the Class 8 on-highway segment, the Allison TC10 provides a blended architecture with full-power shifts, a torque converter and a twin countershaft gear box. Available on International ProStar and International TranStar vehicles with MaxxForce 13 engines with SCR, its 10 forward speeds and two reverse make the TC10 ideal for distribution applications where the tractor-trailer splits its work cycle between city and highway conditions.

Allison fleet testing has validated that drivers can achieve an average of 5% improved fuel economy.

Rated up to 600 horsepower and 1,700 pounds-feet of torque at launch, the TC10 comes equipped with Allison’s newest generation of electronic controls, which provide fuel economy features, prognostics to eliminate unnecessary oil and filter changes and enhanced shift selector functionality. A standard five-year or 750,000 mile warranty is also included. International trucks with the Allison TC10 will be available for delivery in early 2014.